Russia and Ukraine Facilitate New Wave of POW Exchanges in Istanbul Agreement

On Tuesday, Russia and Ukraine conducted another exchange of prisoners of war, following an agreement made during last week’s peace negotiations in Istanbul, as reported by both parties.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated, “A second group of military personnel has been retrieved from areas under the control of the Kyiv administration.” They also mentioned that a contingent of Ukrainian armed forces prisoners had been released in the trade.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchange via a post on X, remarking, “We continue to bring our people back, as per the agreement made in Istanbul… They all need urgent medical care. This is a crucial humanitarian gesture.”

He indicated that the exchange included members from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and State Special Transport Service, and additional exchanges are anticipated.

In the discussions held in Istanbul last week, both parties consented to release all injured soldiers and prisoners younger than 25 years—amounting to over 1,000 on each side—and to swap the remains of 6,000 deceased soldiers from each side.

On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry noted that the initial phase of the exchange involved young servicemen, a point that Zelensky also verified in his post on X.

The exact number of soldiers exchanged in either operation has not been revealed by either side. On Monday, Russia aired a video showing at least one tour bus filled with returning soldiers, although no similar footage was provided with the announcement on Tuesday.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the returning troops are receiving medical and psychological support in Belarus prior to their transfer back to Russia for further care.

These exchanges take place against a backdrop of mutual allegations over the weekend regarding the mishandling of fallen soldiers’ bodies.